How to go about claiming a domain name that has expired?

[apprentice]

I am after a particular domain name. It doesn't have much 'name' value, so I don't really think anyone else would be after it. It was registered with godaddy and yesterday it has expired. I was happy to see it hasn't been renewed, but much to my disappointment, it still shows up as 'reserved' in several whois queries I tried. So, what's up with that - is it the registar keeping the domain, giving a 'grace' period in case the previous owners decides to renew? How do I go about claiming it? Anything I can do at all? I really wouldn't like openly expressing my interest for the domain, as they might ask $1000 for it!

The domain itself has been up as an Ad page - just a single page with Ad links. What a waste!

[Future]

try snapnames..

looking for more suggestions.

[callivert]

snapnames, namejet, pool are the big three.
The domain will drop in a few weeks when the redemption period has passed.

[apprentice]

That's great thanks!

Snapnames wants $59 for keeping an eye on, but I think I ll just stick with checking every few hours or so. As I said, its not a valuable name anyone would pursue. Besides, if the previous owner wishes to renew it, I got no chance of snatching it back, even with the help of any of those tools.

K-R

[Webwork]

Doesn't GoDaddy handle the resale/auction of its own - GD registration - domain expiration/drops?

[callivert]

Doesn't GoDaddy handle the resale/auction of its own

The godaddy backorder service is not a fast dropcatcher and will only work if nobody else tries to pick it up.

Snapnames wants $59 for keeping an eye on

You only have to pay the $59 if they succeed in securing it for you, otherwise you don't pay a dime.

[Webwork]

Hmmmm . . Most registrars don't let their domains, at least the "good ones", get to the point of dropping. They just slide them over into their auction system. I'm surprised that GD doesn't do this. I know they played in the general drop-catch game but didn't realize they don't "keep their own best". These days that borders on . . not silly . . but . . a missed opportunity, Mr. Parsons. :P

[callivert]

I'm surprised that GD doesn't do this.

I don't know what godaddy does in that respect. I was just noting that many people have not had great success with their 'backorder' feature.

[Webwork]

Yes, my experience with GD's backorder system could be described in two words: major suckage.

On the rare occasion when I won a domain via GD's backorder system I would sometimes feel like I lost.

"You mean no one else has placed at bid at any other drop service for this domain?

And, yes, once in a great great great while GD's drop-catching service would nab a premium domain . .

. . and you could hear Satan cursing GD as Hell thawed . .

. . and pigs fell from the sky.